I’ve been a loyal Joe Rocket motorcycle gloves wearer for years. Recently, my trusty old pair finally bit the dust after countless miles on the road. It was time to replace them, but could a new pair of Joe Rocket gloves measure up to the beloved originals?
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Are these the best-armored motorcycle gloves for you? Let’s find out!
Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.1 Gloves
Key Takeaways
- Snug But Comfortable
- Full Flexible Protection
- Proven Joe Rocket Pedigree
My History With Joe Rocket Gloves
When I first started riding again several years ago, I knew I needed proper protective gear. I headed to a few local shops and found a great armored jacket for visibility per my wife’s request. To complete the ensemble, I picked up fluorescent yellow Joe Rocket gloves to match the jacket accents.
Over the years, those gloves became an extension of my hands. The venting kept my paws cool in the hot Central Texas weather.
The armored knuckle protection saved me from bruising impacts. The reinforced leather palms and fingertips provided abrasion resistance while still allowing feel and flexibility.
Why It Was Time For an Upgrade
Recently, though, the old Joes finally gave up the ghost after faithfully protecting my hands for thousands of miles. The leather wore thin in spots, stitches popped, and velcro started giving way.
So, while I loved the fit, comfort, and protection of the previous Joe Rocket gloves, it was time to shop around for a replacement.
The Quest For New Gloves
I researched other top brands like Icon, Rev’It, and Alpinestars. But ultimately, I figured why mess with success? I already knew that Joe Rocket gloves checked all the boxes in terms of quality, comfort, and protection.
| Glove Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Protection | Full armored knuckles |
| Comfort | Good ventilation, pre-curved design |
| Durability | Reinforced leather and impact padding |
| Fit | True sizing with adjustment options |
Browsing online, I couldn’t find my exact previous gloves. But Joe Rocket made it easy to stay brand loyal. I found the extremely similar-looking Phoenix 5.1 model and ordered them in my usual size.
Unboxing And Initial Impressions
Fresh out of the box, the Phoenix 5.1s looked slick in all black. The styling stayed consistent with familiar Joe Rocket DNA. I hoped these new gloves could continue my positive experiences.
Old Faithful With A Facelift
Gliding my hands into the Phoenix 5.1s, the fit proved snug but workable even before the break-in. The pre-curved shape matched my natural grip contour. Firing up the bike for a maiden voyage, I could already tell the airflow and temperature control matched the beloved previous pair.
The Phoenix 5.1s provided reassuringly familiar functions and features:
• Diamond-Quilted Goatskin Leather
The exterior construction used Joe Rocket’s abrasion-resistant diamond goatskin leather and flexible neoprene paneling on the backhands and fingers for maximum dexterity. Interior suede wiping surfaces kept the face shield tidy.
• Reinforced Pre-Curved Palm
The pre-curved ergonomic palm design utilized an abrasion-resistant cowhide with extra reinforcement for a natural feel during clutch and brake operation.
• Knuckle Armoring
Rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) armor over padded foam provided protection across the main knuckles. The armor felt secure even during hard braking and aggressive riding.
• Secure Wrist Closure
A microhook wrist closure and wide hook-and-loop cuff closure ensured a tight seal around the jacket sleeves to keep wind and water out. The wide neoprene cuff also locked the gloves in place securely.
• Bonus Touchscreen Functionality
Conductive finger pads allow easy smartphone and GPS use without removing the gloves. This helpful feature worked seamlessly during navigation on the road.
The 5.1s delivered everything I hoped for in terms of replacement gloves. Within just a few rides, they already felt like my tried and true old favorites.
Gloves That Stand The Test Of Time
While researching my next pair of riding gloves, I considered stepping out of my comfort zone. But why take chances with unproven brands when I already found gloves I loved?
The Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.1s proved themselves worthy successors, making the choice easy. They checked every box in terms of quality, value, comfort, and protection.
The pre-curved ergonomics, premium leather construction, targeted ventilation, and flexible but armored protection add up to a stellar glove package ready to carry me for countless miles ahead. Just like my broken-in favorites before them, the Phoenix 5.1s already feel like longtime partners after only a short stint together.
While many riders play the field when it comes to glove brands, I believe in finding what works and sticking with it.
These new Joe Rockets passed the test with flying colors. So, for me, when a company consistently delivers outstanding products that hold up to hardcore use, brand loyalty means I’ll be a return customer for years to come.
Have you tried the Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.1 gloves or other JR models? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Comparison to Similar Gloves
| Product Name | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Alpine Stars SMX-1 Air V2 | Perforated leather & mesh, Rubberized knuckle protection, Lycra finger gussets, Silicon grip palm |
| Revit Dirt 3 | Full grain goatskin construction, Mesh panels for ventilation, Plastic knuckle protection, Hook-and-loop wrist closure |
| Bilt Spirit 3 | Leather palm, Mesh backhand, Pre-curved design, Touchscreen compatible fingertips |
| Revit Avion 3 | Perforated goatskin & textile, Padding on knuckles & fingers, Neoprene wrist closure, Touchscreen compatible |
The Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 gloves are the most direct comparison to the SP5 as a lightweight summer sport glove. The SP5 uses some cheaper materials but offers better ventilation.
Compared to the Revit Dirt 3, the SP5 trades off leather quality for extra breathability and comfort features. The knuckle protection seems to have improved on the SP5.
The Bilt Spirit 3 is a more basic, affordable glove, but the SP5 adds more substantial impact defenses for aggressive riding.
Finally, the Revit Avion 3 offers similarities in its mixture of materials focused on airflow. The SP5 has more hard-knuckle armor for crashes.
And Finally…
My quest to find a worthy successor to my trusty old gloves proved successful. The new Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.1s deliver upgraded styling and functionality while maintaining the fit, comfort, quality, and protection that made me fall in love with the brand’s gloves years ago. I’m thrilled to have a new pair of riding partners ready to rack up countless miles of two-wheeled adventure ahead.
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